By Jessica Gorman
If you’re not familiar with Give for Good, it is an event organized by Community Foundation of North Louisiana. From their website, “during Give For Good, everyone becomes a philanthropist. This online giving event is an engaging and exciting 24-hour challenge led by the Community Foundation of North Louisiana. It raises millions of dollars in unrestricted funds for North Louisiana organizations and unites community members in celebrating the vital work of nonprofits.
In 2025, more than $2.5 million was raised during Give For Good for participating nonprofit organizations. These funds came from over 8,000 gifts and were distributed to 221 organizations. In addition to donations, nonprofits could also increase their funding by claiming a share of our $250,000 Lagniappe Fund and competing for over $20,000 in prizes.”
You can visit their website, https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/, for more detailed information about the event. Give for Good Day is on Tuesday, May 5th but Early Giving opened April 21st. That means you can give now to support the work of nonprofit organizations in Webster Parish.
Most of us are fundraising all the time, so why is Give for Good important? One reason is the Lagniappe Fund. Each participating organization is eligible to receive a share of that fund based on the amount of money raised for their organization. That means that when you donate via Give for Good, there’s a little something extra added to it, making your contribution even more valuable.
Another reason is the prizes. Last year, the museum was the recipient of the “First Donation Prize” meaning we received the very first donation on Give for Good Day earning us an extra $500. There are also opportunities to vote for your favorite organization and prizes awarded by random drawing, based on organization size, and to those with the most unique donors. Even the smallest donations can make a big difference.
The benefit to you as a donor is that, in order to participate, each organization is required to submit documentation that ensures that they are an eligible nonprofit and in good standing. Additional information, such as access to tax filings, is also available on each organization page. This helps you to make an informed decision about who you choose to give to.
What organizations in Webster Parish are participating? You will find Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Foundation which benefits students attending that institution.
Project Reclaim focuses on youth in our community and develops valuable life and leadership skills. It strives to keep kids in school and to steer them away from activities and decisions that could be detrimental to their future.
https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/organization/our_youth
Cultural Crossroads of Minden owns The Farm here in Minden. Their mission is to unite all people through the arts. At The Farm, you will find a Little Free Pantry, Little Free Library, and Little Free Plant Stand. On Monday and Tuesday afternoons, Art at the Farm, taught by Jennifer Heard, provides art classes for kids and adults alike. My youngest child is 19 years old and has been drawing since she was old enough to hold a crayon. She has attended art classes with “Ms. Jennifer” for over a decade. We have been incredibly blessed for her to have this outlet for creativity and the support and guidance in developing her skills. https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/organization/CulturalCrossroadsofMinden
LaMa Animal Rescue is crucially important to our parish. I cannot imagine the blood, sweat, and tears that goes into that operation. Can you imagine if every time somebody found a dog on the side of the road, they called you to do something about it? Because let’s be honest, we’re always looking for who to call when there’s a problem. It’s no secret that stray animals are a major problem in this area and until something is done to help remedy it, we need to be grateful that there are people who choose to give their time to help and they need so much more than a pat on the back because a pat on the back doesn’t pay the bills and taking care of animals is expensive.
https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/organization/LaMa_Animal_Rescue
Of course, the museum is also participating in Give for Good. We would be so grateful for your support. A donation to the museum supports preservation of our local history and allows us to continue to offer free admission, free events, free access to historical resources, free research assistance, and more. You can visit our organization page at https://www.giveforgoodnla.org/organization/Dorcheat-Historical-Assn-And-Museum
I hope you will take the time to learn more about the organizations that fill the gaps in our community. Visit their websites, follow them on social media, make an effort to stay informed, and consider the very real need for support. There is no better way to say thank you than to help ease the financial burden. Let the future tell the story of Webster Parish as a parish that takes care of its own.
(Jessica Gorman is Executive Director of the Dorcheat Historical Association Museum, Webster Parish Historian, President of the Minden Cemetery Association, and an avid genealogist.)